Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Pediatric Oncology: Current Practice and Future Directions

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Background/Objectives: Achieving complete, yet safe tumor resections are particularly challenging in pediatric oncology due to infiltrative tumor growth patterns, small patient size, and the close proximity to critical structures. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) enhances visualization of anatomy, tissue perfusion, and tumor tissue in real time, potentially improving surgical precision. While widely explored in adults, its application in pediatric oncology remains limited. This review summarizes current evidence on FGS in pediatric oncology, with emphasis on the unique challenges inherent to this field. Finally, strategies to accelerate clinical translation and assess the potential clinical value are proposed. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and Embase to identify English-language publications on FGS in pediatric oncology up to September 2025. Search terms included Fluorescence, Pediatrics, Neoplasms, and Surgery. Results: Studies commonly reported that indocyanine green (ICG) aids in lymph node mapping, hepatoblastoma resection, and visualization of vascular structures and tissue perfusion. However, its non-specific nature and lack of histopathological validation limits diagnostic precision in tumor imaging. Tissue-specific agents are being investigated in first-in-humans trials to improve sensitivity and specificity, and to identify ureters and nerves. Conclusions: In this review, the challenging roadmap for advancing FGS in pediatric oncology is presented. Closing current gaps will require coordinated efforts in target discovery, agent design, and clinical validation. If successful, FGS can evolve from a promising tool into an indispensable clinical technique that enhances surgical precision, reduces recurrence, and ultimately improves long-term outcomes for children with cancer.

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